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The HSA Component

When you enroll in the HDHP, you have the opportunity to open an HSA. The HSA is essentially a bank account with Optum Bank that allows you to save and pay for eligible health care expenses. The HSA is a great way to build up dollars to pay for your health care expenses today — or in the future.

Understanding the HSA option

HSAs function very similarly to a bank account but are dedicated to health care expenses. If you do not use all of the money, your account rolls over from year to year. You choose to "spend" or "save" these dollars to pay for your eligible medical, dental, prescription, or vision expenses. Similar to a 403(b), you can contribute to your HSA on a pre-tax basis up to IRS limits.

In 2015, you may contribute up to $3,350 ($3,300 in 2014) for individual coverage, or $4,350 ($4,300 in 2014) if age 55 or older; and $6, 650 ($6,550 in 2014) for family coverage, or $7,650 ($7,550 in 2014) if age 55 or older, into the HSA.

You decide how to use your HSA funds. Click for more:

This includes hospital services, prescriptions, dental, vision, and other eligible health care expenses. Note: federal law does not allow you to be reimbursed for expenses through an HSA for non-tax-qualified dependents. If you enroll a domestic partner in the HDHP, he/she must be a tax-qualified dependent in order to have his/her expenses reimbursed through an HSA. We suggest that you seek guidance from your personal tax advisor to confirm the eligibility of any dependents for whom you plan to take HSA distributions.

Even if you leave NYU, the funds in your HSA (both your contributions and any contributions from NYU) are yours to use for eligible health care expenses. Beginning at age 65, you can use your HSA funds for medical expenses not covered by Medicare.

Non-qualified health expenses reimbursed through your HSA are subject to a 20% penalty in addition to income tax.

HSA FAQs

How do I pay my health expenses with the HSA?

When you enroll in the HDHP option and open an HSA, Optum Bank will provide you an HSA MasterCard to give you a convenient way to access your HSA funds when you need them. Simply use your HSA MasterCard to pay for covered medical, dental, or vision expenses at participating locations (e.g., your doctor’s office or in-network retail pharmacies). The funds you use will be automatically deducted from your HSA. Remember, the HSA works just like a traditional bank account — you must have enough funds in your account to cover the expenses you're paying.

How — and when — do I qualify for the HSA?

You are not eligible for the HSA if you are covered under another plan (e.g., a spouse’s plan) unless that plan is a qualifying High Deductible Health Plan. Health Care FSA claims must be submitted with all required documentation by December 20 to ensure that your payments are processed before the end of the year. If you have a balance remaining in January, you can enroll in the HDHP with HSA option; however, your HSA account will open on April 1. In that case, only expenses incurred after March 31 can be reimbursed from the HSA.

What are differences between an FSA and HSA?

The FSA is a spending account, while the HSA is a savings account. With an FSA, you are expected to spend the money you have set aside within the year it is set aside, while with an HSA you may save the money until you need it — even if you do not need the funds until well into the future. Another key difference is the FSA features a "use it or lose it" rule, with any unused money you have set aside for that year forfeited. This rule does not apply to the HSA.

Am I able to maintain both an FSA and HSA?

U.S. federal law allows you to enroll in either an HSA or the Health Care FSA in one plan year. You may not enroll in the Health Care FSA if you choose to enroll in the new HDHP with HSA option.

Does NYU contribute to my HSA?

If you earn less than $75,000 per year, NYU will contribute to your HSA:

Less than $50,000 = $500 contribution from NYU

$50,000 - $74,999 = $250 contribution from NYU

$75,000 and above = $0 contribution from NYU

HSA contribution limits for 2015 include your contributions and NYU’s contributions, if applicable: